9/26/97 - 1047
BBT files Lawsuit against Hansadutta das
USA (VNN) - The BBT-Int'l, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Hansadutta
das for copyright infringements. Hansadutta das, one of the senior
most disciples of Srila Prabhupada and former ISKCON GBC, guru
and dedicated preacher had left ISKCON after some improprieties
as ISKCON guru. Interestingly enough, he was one of the first
to publish Srila Prabupada's books in European languages, like
the German version of Bhagavad-gita. In the early 80's while still
in ISKCON he published books like the pocket version of the Bhagavad-gita
and the one-volume Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.
This lawsuit raises a fundamental question. Many Srila Prabhupada
disciples that have either left ISKCON or have been pushed out
of ISKCON who wanted to continue to propagate their spiritual
master's message are faced with this dilemma. In some cases the
BBT would refuse to sell Srila Prabhupada's books to them. Some
have even been criticized by their god brothers in ISKCON for
publishing books authored by Srila Prabhupada's god brothers.
On the other hand if they want to publish Srila Prabhupada's books
or even quote from His books they may get sued by the BBT.
The question arises whether the writings of a personality like
Srila Prabhupada can be copyrighted by any single organization.
Do Srila Prabhupada's books belong to the BBT or His disciples?
If the books of Srila Prabhupada are to be, as claimed by many
of his followers, "the law books for the next 10,000 years" then
this copyright monopoly claimed by the BBT is very questionable
and may become a great hindrance in the preaching mission of Srila
Prabhupada's message in the decades and centuries to come.
Sources tell VNN that during the scrutiny that some of the "appointed"
gurus underwent after the New Vrindavan meeting in 1985 some European
leaders threatened to walk out of ISKCON with all the copyrights
for Srila Prabhupada's books. Considering the known history of
ISKCON leaders, to allow the exclusive rights over Srila Prabhupada's
books to be owned by a single organization that is controlled
by a few individuals can indeed turn out to be a very dangerous
situation.
